Marriott joins push to dump DOMA

Have you heard? Mormon-led Marriott International is one of the first large US corporations to join an HRC coalition to repeal the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Here’s what Marriott’s David Rodriguez said about joining the coalition: “We are proud of our longstanding commitment to diversity, inclusion and equal treatment of all our employees within our benefits programs…Joining the business coalition for DOMA repeal affirms that commitment.”

A story in the LA Times includes quotes from Bill Marriott on why he does not mix his personal views on marriage (man-woman only) with the operations of his business. “We have to take care of our people, regardless of their sexual orientation or anything else,” said Marriott in a recent interview. Bloomberg reports that 13 other large corporations, including San Jose-based eBay and Redwood City-based Electronic Arts have also joined the coalition. San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels has also joined in.

Does this change your mind about Marriott? Have you avoided staying at the various Marriott brands (such as Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Courtyard, Residence Inn) due to its deep connections to the Mormon Church? Please leave your comments below.